What is Zazen?

Zazen, the formal practice of seated meditation, is the cornerstone of Zen training. Za means “sitting.” Zen— which derives from the Sanskrit “dhyana”—means meditation. In its beginning stages, zazen is a practice of concentration, with a focus on following or counting the breath. But more than just meditation, zazen is a powerful tool of self-inquiry, boundless in its scope and ability to reveal the true basis of reality. Through zazen, we realize the unity of the self with all things, which has the potential to transform our lives and those of others.